Red Ribbon Campaign Continues to Spread Drug Prevention Message

Formed in 1980 by a coalition of concerned parents, the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth got a big boost when Nancy Reagan served as its honorary chair. The organization later changed their name to the National Family Partnership (NFP) and in 1985 created the nation’s largest drug prevention program, the Red Ribbon Campaign.

The difference between the 1980s and now is the percentage of kids taking prescription drugs — they have a far less favorable view of illicit drugs, but attitudes about the drugs in their parents’ medicine cabinets have taken a deadly turn.

The red ribbon was created in honor of Enrique Camarena, an agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency who in 1985 was murdered by drug lords while working undercover in Mexico. Upset community members wanting to bring awareness to communities and families being torn apart by drug abuse started the first Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988.

When members sign up with the NFP they’re helping to push the agenda of a vocal group that has the attention of our nation’s leaders that puts the word out about teen drug abuse.

The NFP is one of the largest producers of literature that stresses prevention efforts. Their brochures touch on subjects such as education, prevention Red Ribbon Certified Schools, Safe Homes/Safe Parties and Lock Your Meds.

Organizations across the country are becoming more active in Red Ribbon Campaigns, hosting events that include classroom exercises to educate kids on the dangers of using drugs. Some communities have expanded the Red Ribbon Campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of smoking and underage drinking. The NFP helps these organizations plan their events to develop a strong and unified message that can assist a community in its efforts to go drug free.

The red ribbon also symbolizes AIDS and heart disease awareness campaigns. But during the last week of October the NFP asks everyone to focus their energy on creating awareness for a problem that is deeply affecting America’s youth in greater and greater numbers.

Need Help Finding an Intervention Specialist?

We can refer you to an experienced interventionist who can help you help your loved one.

Intervention Topics

The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One

A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.

Types of Addiction Intervention

Johnson ModelThe Johnson Model of Intervention is a confrontational approach to drug and alcohol intervention that was introduced in the 1960s. An interventionist leads the family and close friends in this planned confrontation, which is unknown to the addicted individual beforehand.

Invitational ModelTo proceed with the Invitational Model of Intervention, a concerned family member must contact an interventionist about the person with a substance abuse problems. Several family members meet or talk with the interventionist, and plans for the workshop are made. One family member is coached on how to invite the addicted individual to the workshop, although it will take place regardless of whether the individual decides to attend.

Field Model It is an overlay intervention model that includes Johnson model and Invitational Model. It specifically trains to techniques you can use in the field, during the actual intervention, should problems arise, and is best suited for crisis interventions where there is a risk of violence or other critical issues that could sabotage the success of the intervention.

Archives

Archives

Addiction Intervention

If you have a loved one who is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction but he or she is resistant to treatment, sometimes the best chance for hope is to have a professional alcohol intervention specialist or drug interventionist work with you and your family to encourage them to get the help they need. Addiction-Intervention is an informal guide to intervention to help you with this process, whether you need a drug intervention specialist, alcohol interventionist, or an intervention specialist for a process addiction such as gambling.